BS, MS Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
Valencia College Educator Preparation Institute
Florida Certified in Physics 6-12, Mathematics 6-12, Mathematics 5-9; Engineering and Technology Education; Gifted Endorsement
How do you feel you can help students to “Start Here. Go Anywhere”.?
I want to create a classroom environment where science and technology are celebrated, and students can dream of becoming engineers and scientists.
What do you love about teaching?
I love connecting the dots between science principles and the daily life experiences of our students. Students have developed ideas about how the physical world works based on their observations and experiences. Those ideas are not always grounded in good science. Every scientific principle has practical applications in technology and real-life, and establishing those connections is what makes the learning worthwhile.
How do you keep current with the subject areas you cover?
I love to read articles that offer insights into the topics I teach. I enjoy reading books by Richard Feynman, Kip Thorne, and others. I also watch a lot of videos and tv programs. I have gained many interesting thoughts that have enhanced my lessons and hopefully sparked curiosity in my students to want to learn more.
What do you want your students to gain from having known you?
I hope that my students see my love and passion for science and sharing my knowledge with them, gain some discipline in their practices, and realize that the learning never ends.
How do you inspire students to enjoy learning?
I want my students to feel engaged with the great scientists and understand the social and scientific context that surrounded their discoveries. Our understanding of the physical world has grown dramatically since the ancients made arguments on various topics, yet mysteries remain to be explained. We examine case studies and perform weekly labs, some designed by the students themselves. Through our featured “Person of the Week” students see the work of today’s most notable scientists, and the diversity of the community that encourages them to consider their futures in science and technology.
What is the most important life lesson that you want a child to learn in your classroom?
Never give up on a topic just because you don’t understand it.